Data center bill raises concerns over coal plant retirements in NC | WSOC-TV
A North Carolina state bill intended to regulate data centers and manage their environmental impact is raising concerns among environmental advocates. Critics argue a provision within the bill could delay the retirement of coal-fired power plants, leading to increased pollution and higher energy costs for consumers.
North Carolina's Senate Bill 730, also known as the Ratepayer Protection Act, aims to address the growing impact of data centers on the state's environment and power grid. While intended to manage energy use and prevent pollution, environmental leaders are voicing strong objections to a specific provision within the legislation.
Will Scott, North Carolina's policy director for the Environmental Defense Fund, expressed disappointment that the bill includes language that could defer the retirement of "base load" power plants. This clause stipulates that such plants cannot be retired until a new nuclear facility achieves construction progress. Representative Matthew Winslow, a sponsor of the bill, clarified that the language is not exclusively for coal plants but for any base load power source, ensuring energy stability before new nuclear generation comes online. However, Scott highlighted that coal plants are currently the only base load facilities scheduled for retirement in the state. He argues that extending their operation would lead to increased pollution and higher maintenance costs, which would ultimately be passed on to energy consumers.
The bill defines "progress" on nuclear development as securing a specific construction permit, but Scott pointed out that even with a permit, it could take a decade or more for a new nuclear plant to become operational. North Carolina currently has five operating coal plants, including Marshall Steam Station north of Charlotte, where half of its coal units are slated for retirement by the end of 2028. Duke Energy plans to replace these with a new natural gas facility.